Ringworm in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Diagnosis, Treatment & Contagion Control Guide 🧴🐴
In this article
Ringworm in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Diagnosis, Treatment & Contagion Control Guide 🧴🐴
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Introduction
Despite the name, ringworm is not a worm—it’s a highly contagious fungal skin infection affecting horses year-round, especially in humid climates like Texas. While ringworm can resolve on its own, veterinary treatment is essential to speed recovery, reduce herd spread, and avoid worsening skin damage. In this 2025 guide, learn how to recognize, diagnose, and treat equine ringworm effectively.
What Causes Ringworm? 🧫
- Caused by dermatophyte fungi—most commonly Trichophyton equinum
- Thrives in warm, moist environments or on immunosuppressed horses
- Transmitted via direct contact or contaminated tack, brushes, halters, and blankets
Who’s Most at Risk? ⚠️
- Young horses with underdeveloped immune systems
- Horses recovering from illness or stress
- Horses in close quarters or shared equipment environments (e.g., shows, clinics)
Clinical Signs of Ringworm 👀
- Raised, circular patches of hair
- Hair falls out, revealing scaly, gray or crusty skin
- Common on the face and neck, but may spread over body
- May or may not be itchy—depends on the horse
Why Diagnosis Matters 🧪
- Other conditions can mimic ringworm:
- Fly bite allergies
- Autoimmune skin conditions
- Incorrect treatment may worsen ringworm
Definitive Diagnosis
- Vet will collect hair and skin samples from the lesion
- Fungal culture is gold standard
- Results may take 7–14 days, but some in-house labs can confirm faster
Transmission & Biosecurity 🧼
- Highly contagious to other horses and even humans (zoonotic)
- Spread by:
- Shared brushes, halters, tack, saddle pads
- Grooming tools and stall surfaces
- Disinfect all equipment and wash hands after handling infected animals
Treatment Options for 2025 💊🧴
1. Topical Therapy
- Chlorhexidine rinse (2% solution) is highly effective
- Bathe infected areas 2–3 times weekly
- Scrub gently to loosen crusts and allow rinse to reach the skin
2. Environmental Disinfection
- Soak or wipe down all tack, brushes, blankets with antifungal solution
- Remove and replace bedding where infection is suspected
3. Duration of Treatment
- Continue until lesions have resolved AND culture tests negative
- Typically 30 days or more for full clearance
Is It Self-Limiting? 🕒
- Yes—ringworm may eventually resolve without treatment
- However, during this period:
- Horse can infect others
- Secondary skin trauma can cause pain or scarring
Case Example: Yearling with Facial Ringworm
- A 1-year-old gelding developed scaly patches on the face and shoulder
- Vet performed culture—positive for Trichophyton equinum
- Chlorhexidine baths started every 3 days; halter and brushes disinfected
- After 4 weeks, lesions resolved and culture was negative
- No spread to other horses in the barn thanks to quick response
FAQs About Equine Ringworm
Q: Can humans catch ringworm from horses?
A: Yes. Ringworm is zoonotic. Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling infected horses.
Q: Can I use a medicated spray instead of a bath?
A: Sprays may help in small cases, but full body rinses are better for widespread infection or herd outbreaks.
Q: Is there a vaccine?
A: Not currently. Prevention relies on hygiene, early treatment, and reducing cross-contamination.
Conclusion
Ringworm may be common, but it’s highly contagious and can damage both skin and your barn’s biosecurity. Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment with chlorhexidine rinses help speed healing and prevent spread. In 2025, horse owners must take every skin lesion seriously—especially in young horses or show barns where equipment is often shared.
Need help diagnosing or treating a suspected case of ringworm? Visit AskAVet.com or download our app 📱 to connect with Dr Duncan Houston for fungal testing and recovery support. 🩺🐴
